2 Vikings That Need to Be More Involved in Week 2

The Minnesota Vikings found a way to come back and win in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers. It was a great start to the season, but it was far from perfect, and two players on the offense need to be more involved in Week 2.

2 Vikings That Need to Be More Involved in Week 2

It was the Justin Jefferson show on Sunday as he hauled in 92 of the team’s 151 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns, and a 2-point conversion. Jefferson is the team’s star player and while you expect him to lead the charge you want more from the supporting cast.

The Vikings tight ends did a decent job with TJ Hockenson and Josh Oliver combining for 6 catches, 58 yards, and a touchdown. However, there wasn’t a single catch for a WR outside of Jefferson.

It was a quiet afternoon for Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings, who both failed to register a single catch in the season opener.

Addison saw two targets and failed to catch either, though a full-stretch dive got his fingertips on the ball, which was a good effort. Jennings saw just one target which came early in the game when Kyler Murray was still in. Throwing into double coverage, Murray’s pass was intercepted in front of Jennings. 

Neither Tai Felton nor Myles Price even saw a target.

It was a strange game where the Vikings’ offense didn’t particularly pull off long drives with the exception of one that was aided by three defensive penalties and finished with an Aaron Jones rushing touchdown. The fourth-quarter dominance of Minnesota’s defense and a long kickoff return from Price set the Vikings up with some excellent field position to help orchestrate their comeback win over the Packers.

Can Wentz Get Into Sync With the Other WRs?

Carson Wentz has shown a good connection with Jefferson dating back to when he played last season. However, the Vikings don’t want to rely on it always being Jefferson who makes the big plays.

Up against a dynamic Chicago Bears offense in Week 2, Minnesota will need their own offense to be at its best. With running back Jordan Mason placed on Injured Reserve with a thumb injury this week, that means a lot more Addison, and more Jennings. Three targets between the pair won’t cut it.

Addison and Jennings are very different styles of WR, with Addison much smaller, slimmer, and relying on his slick route running and ability to get open on deep routes. Jennings is a bigger, more physical WR who can make plays on contested catches. Minnesota doesn’t want the pair drawing another blank in Week 2; Kevin O’Connell would do well to draw up some early touches for both of them, and then it’s down to Wentz and the two receivers to deliver.

The Vikings will need everyone firing on all cylinders if they are going to pull off what would be considered an upset win over Chicago.

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